SMALL BUSINESS GIFT GUIDE
As a small business, we can confirm it really is true that when you buy from a small business an actual person (or in our case 2) does a happy dance. Your support really does make a difference and enables us to work towards our mission of supporting and inspiring as many people as possible to create a healthier and more sustainable lifestyles.
That’s why this Black Friday, rather than being taken in by marketing from big corporations, we encourage you to choose to support local and small businesses. I love discovering new brands and being able to gift something a little more unique that you can’t find on the high street. We’ve created a list of our favourite small and local businesses to inspire your Christmas shopping:
Duxmore Botanicals
Duxmore Botanicals was founded in 2019 by Charlotte and is based on the Isle of Wight. Charlotte creates high-quality products (from candles, to diffusers, to skin balms), using ethically and responsibly sourced ingredients that smell amazing. Our favourite products include her Botanical Bath Soak and her Island Home Fragrance Collection.
Jilla Active
Jilla Active is small activewear brand set-up by Tamara. Jilla Active is the B+G teams ‘go-to’ activewear brand - their products are soft, comfortable (due to their seamless design) and importably are produced in a sustainable (made from Bamboo) and ethical way (they work directly with a small family run factory). Olivia is currently loving the Spirit Seeker Set in Navy.
XV Stripes
XV Stripes, a sustainable bedding and interiors company, was founded by Izzey who lives on the Isle of Wight. The products are inspired by a love of coastal living and the ocean and embrace sustainability (the Ocean Throws are made from recycle ocean plastic). We love the Just Stripes Cushions and their large cosy Blankets.
Pretty Athletic
Pretty Athletic is active skincare brand set-up by Leyla. She recognised there was a gap in the market, as there was no active skincare brand that specifically targeted women and their needs. You’ll find no gimmicks with Pretty Athletic, Leyla reaches out to her customers to understand their needs and works with top British cosmetic scientists to specially curate new products. Leyla’s products make great stock fillers for the active ladies in your life, Evelyn’s favourites are the Workout Glo and the Hydration Gel. Not only do they smell amazing, but they really work!
One Happy Yogi
One Happy Yogi is an Isle of Wight business that creates sustainable premium quality yoga mats. They are the B+G teams ‘go-to’ yoga mats. They are thick, non-slip and come in a range of colours. They teamed up with local illustrator, Katy Rose, to create 4 unique mats (Abundant Seas, Botanical Dream, Majestic Elephant, and Wise Owl).
Island Wild Foods
Alex is a forager and runs local seasonal foraging walks on the Isle of Wight. She has previously hosted foraging walks as part of our island retreats. Alex has created a ‘perpetual’ calendar inspired by the wild plants and fungi on the Isle of Wight. This calendar is beautifully illustrated by her husband Jamie and is full of seasonal recipes. I am passionate about eating with the seasons and exploring our local environment, and therefore will definitely be gifting myself a calendar this Christmas!
Elixir Freshly Frozen
Set-up my Lauren and Kate, Elixir Freshly Frozen produces cold pressed juices and shots. They are delivered frozen so you can have a daily supply. If you’ve made your own juice before, you’ll know it takes a lot of time and creates a lot of mess…let Lauren and Kate do the hard work for you - your body will thank you! Their products have been a big hit at our events and retreats, and the team love them! Check out their Gift Pack for a unique gift this Christmas!
Wrapping Paper and Christmas Cards
Olivia not only teaches yoga, leads our marketing and communications, but has also designed and produced this beautiful yoga pose wrapping paper, complete with gift tags (perfect for wrapping up a B+G jumper - see below)!
For nautical inspired Christmas Cards check out Bex at Little Isle Creations.
For watercolour illustrated Christmas cards contact Bethany at Sketchbook By Bethany. 100% of the profits will be going to Southampton Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Balance + Glo
Couldn’t do a small business guide without giving B+G a little plug (please do forgive me)! This Christmas why don’t you give someone you love the gift of wellness. You can gift 3 months member to our Online Studio for the price of 2 (just £60). This will give your recipient full access to our Online Studio including Live and On-demand classes across different disciplines including Yoga, HIIT, Strength Training, Pilates and content from the best nutritionists and health coaches.
Or why not buy the B+G member in your life, the exclusive B+G relaxed Boxy Jumper. It’s casual oversized fit means it can be worn for any occasion - to keep cosy during savasana, pop-on for a warm-up, or wear out for a casual brunch date. With it’s subtle branding, and pastel colour pallet, this will easily become the lucky recipients ‘go-to’ jumper. Plus did we mention is made from natural materials with renewable energy on the Isle of Wight.
If you’re looking to splash out, or treat yourself this Christmas then why don’t you check out our 2022 retreat dates! A deposit of £150 is all that is required to secure your spot!
